The Trans-Iranian Railway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea was officially inaugurated. This massive project was built without foreign loans, funded only by tea and sugar taxes.
Fun Facts
The railway spans 1,394 km through the challenging Zagros and Alborz mountains. It features 174 large bridges, 224 tunnels (including 11 spiral tunnels), and 89 stations. Danish firm Kampsax completed it ahead of schedule and under budget. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.
Related Events
Construction of Persepolis
Darius I ordered construction of "Parsa" (Persepolis) on the slopes of Mount Rahmat. Built on a 125,000 m² stone terrace, it served as the ceremonial capital for Nowruz and Mehregan celebrations. Construction spanned 150 years across multiple kings.
Completion of the Royal Road
The Royal Road was a 2,699 km paved highway connecting Susa (administrative capital) to Sardis (Lydia). With 111 relay stations where couriers changed horses, messages traveled at astonishing speed across the empire.
Burning of Persepolis
After capturing Persepolis, Alexander allowed looting of the treasuries. Reportedly 10,000 mules and 5,000 camels were needed to carry the gold and silver. Then the palaces burned—some say at the urging of Thais the Athenian, others call it revenge for the Acropolis burning.
Academy of Gondishapur
Gondishapur (Jundishapur) in Khuzestan was the greatest intellectual center of the ancient world. The academy taught medicine, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and theology. Its teaching hospital became the model for Islamic hospitals.